Don't let sickness, emergencies steal your holidays!

Keep your loved ones ready and protected with MediCard’s RxER

The holidays are here! Finally, it is the time of the year to relax, unwind, and enjoy all the festive activities with your family and friends. And perhaps, you are now busy listing all the possible gifts that would spark joy in your loved ones, regardless of whether they have been naughty or nice.

As everyone is eager to celebrate this season, keep in mind that it can be a risky time as well. The holidays frequently attract unwanted guests, such as illnesses and accidents ranging from road accidents to fireworks injuries.

A January 2022 report by the Department of Health (DOH) revealed there were 85 cases of fireworks-related injuries as the country celebrated the 2022 New Year. While the numbers continue to decrease each year, it pays off to be ready always for unforeseen emergencies that can steal your holiday celebrations.

MediCard RxER: The best gift you can give this season

To help you put one of the best gifts under the Christmas tree, MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) in the Philippines, brings you MediCard RxER so you can ensure that your loved ones are prepared for any unexpected situations while savoring the joy of the festive season.

The RxER provides a brand-new, specialized healthcare maintenance service that includes emergency, preventative, and outpatient treatment and is created to give members of all ages the maximum value and convenience.

In hospitals recognized by MediCard, the overall cap for patients requiring emergency trauma care is PhP20,000. ER costs, professional fees, and urgent drugs connected to the condition of accidents, burns, animal bites, and accidental chemical poisoning are also included in emergency care charges if it is within six hours from the time of the incident.

Emergency diagnostic procedures and lab tests up to PhP5,000, including MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound, are also covered. Additionally, coverage will be provided for tetanus toxoid, anti-tetanus serum, and current rabies vaccination. Regular casting and splint are also included.

Is it a one-time-use thing? No. Members may use emergency services more than once for the said circumstances if the limit has not yet been reached.

The gift that keeps on giving

Members of the RxER card are also entitled to an annual physical exam in any MediCard free-standing clinic and Uro Industrial Clinic (UROIC). This includes a complete blood count, a chest X-ray, a urinalysis, a fecalysis, and a general check-up for the entire year.

In addition, members get unlimited access to outpatient consultations with primary care physicians, including general practitioners, general surgeons on a clinic-to-clinic basis, obstetricians for non-maternity-related check-ups, pediatricians, family medicine physicians, and medical internists. For other specialists and sub-specialists, on the other hand, the RxER covers a flat rate of PhP350 for consultations.

Other benefits of RxER include a 30% discount on outpatient laboratory and diagnostic tests, outpatient surgeries and other services, and procedures at the Skin & Body Clinic. It also gives its members dental services, such as one-time oral prophylaxis, dental consultations, and a 30% discount on dental procedures.

All these may be availed of at any MediCard free-standing clinic in key cities nationwide https://fsc.medicardphils.com/Home/Contact.

There is no time to lose! Gift your loved ones these wonderful benefits now for only PhP1,998 with no age limit and no medical check-up required, available on MediCard’s website, Shopee, Lazada, Medicard free-standing clinics, Maria Health, and more.

MediCard is a leading HMO founded and managed by doctors. Over the years, it has provided the most comprehensive and innovative healthcare programs and fitness activities to help people achieve healthier lives.

To learn more about MediCard Philippines, visit its website at https://www.medicardphils.com/.

Solane achieves 22 million manhours without Lost Time Injury

The HSSE milestone shows Solane’s commitment to ensure safety for both its consumers and workforce

Isla LPG, the company behind one of the most trusted LPG brands Solane, has achieved 22 million safe manhours for both its regular employees and contracted staff without Lost Time Injury (LTI) as of April 2022.

This milestone in Health, Safety, Security and Environment means all Isla LPG employees and Isla partners, both in the plant and office, have not experienced any injury or accident that resulted to them being absent from work and thereby, losing productive work time. “At Isla LPG, we take safety seriously every step of the way, from our plants and offices to the transport of Solane LPG products to our valued customers and business partners,” said Tonito Gonzalez, CEO of Isla LPG. “We want all our employees and contracting partners to feel confident about our mission to provide safe and quality LPG accessible for Filipinos, and it starts with ensuring that they have a safe workplace.”

For Isla LPG, the 22M LTI-free manhours record means the company was able to achieve operations in the plant including gantry/cylinder filling, safe driving performance of haulers, no LTI in Isla’s plants and offices nationwide and no LTI for Isla contractors working on projects, installations, and partner sites.

“Safety is non-negotiable for Isla LPG. Just like how we put premium on the safety of our products through stringent measures and innovative technology, we also make sure that all our employees are working in a healthy, safe, secured, and environment-friendly workplace by integrating practices in all aspects of our businesses,” said Marvin Dela Fuente, HSSE Manager of Isla LPG.

Dela Fuente attributes this hard-earned milestone to the company’s efforts to combine regular trainings, documentations, plant operation programs and annual internal audit. He added that the company ensures that safety is instilled in everyone's hearts and minds.

“Aside from striving for zero LTI, our goal is to have no major plant operation accidents, major road transport accidents, total recordable occupational illnesses, security incidents and life-saving rules violations,” Dela Fuente added.

Isla LPG employees undergo weekly toolbox meetings to start their workweek and receive regular trainings on first aid, firefighting and Permit to Work-Job Hazards Analysis. In compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Republic Act No 11058, Isla tapped Philippine Red Cross Trainers in June to conduct First Aid training for its security personnel, plant staff, and nominated employee first aiders.

Given the risk that comes with working with hazardous substances, Isla implements programs specifically for its plant operations. These include Emergency Response Procedures (ERP) where proactive and reactive approaches for plant operations are discussed and implemented, the Medical Response Strategy (MERS) where plant safety and high health standards are ensured, and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) component where Isla works with the community surrounding its plants.

To review and ensure that safety procedures and practices are up-to-date and implemented, Isla also conducts annual internal safety audit on its plant operations, distributor operations, metal maintenance contractors and haulers.

Isla LPG Corp. (ILC), ISLA Petroleum & Gas Corporation’s subsidiary engaged in supply, trading, marketing and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the Philippines under the banner brand Solane (formerly Shellane), operates strategically located LPG refilling plants nationwide and has a vast network of distributors and retail stores.

Get the Best Possible Health Care for your Elderly Loved Ones

MediCard offers the perfect coverage with MediCard Select, MediCard VIP

Aging comes with different health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), growing old can enhance the chance of developing long-term diseases, including cancer, dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and many more.

To help prevent, detect, or treat such chronic illnesses from our elderly loved ones, MediCard, a leading Health and Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the Philippines, believes that having the right healthcare coverage is crucial. Fortunately, the top HMO provider offers premier healthcare coverages, such as MediCard Select and Medicard VIP, to give access to the best possible care for our senior loved ones in their golden years.

MediCard Select: A healthcare coverage for all ages

MediCard Select is an advanced solution that enables members of all ages to access healthcare coverage with reduced costs and fund management. Available in accredited providers in the country, members of such coverage will only pay for the services they used; hence any remaining funds can be refunded.

If your elderly loved one qualifies, MediCard Select covers hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and preventive healthcare. For individuals over 30 years of age, their annual physical exam (APE) includes the following eight blood chemistries: fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine, BUN, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. For those below 30, their APE includes flu vaccines. APEs may be done in any MediCard free-standing clinic.

Additionally, this offer has dental benefits to ensure your loved ones have the brightest smiles, such as consultations, oral examinations, tooth removal, oral prophylaxis, and more. Meanwhile, the refundable revolving fund starts at PhP 58,000 for members over 60 years of age, while it is PhP 30,000 for those who are 60 years old and below.

MediCard VIP: The best possible coverage for your loved ones

For healthcare coverage with a premium and broad range of health benefits for your senior loved ones, nothing beats the MediCard VIP. Aside from having the chance to pick the treating doctor, it covers treatments in five-star hospitals in the country, executive checkups, and coverage for pre-existing conditions, among others.

Other than that, if your senior loved ones like to travel, this healthcare plan can guard them wherever they go. For instance, members traveling 150 kilometers or more for less than 90 days can take advantage of consultation and evaluation with Assist America's medical staff in its Operations Center, referrals to doctors, and medical monitoring in case of emergency.

In addition, Assist America can arrange for your loved one’s transportation with an escort to return home securely in the event of an emergency and assist with their hospital admittance on a reimbursement basis.

More healthcare benefits are in store for your loved ones with MediCard VIP. It allows members to utilize the facilities and services of MediCard Lifestyle Center, which include fitness and conference rooms, weight loss programs, dietary counseling, diamond peel at its Skin and Body clinic, and yoga classes at Surya Fitness.

The annual premium starts at PhP 32,993 for your loved ones who are 61 to 65 years old. Meanwhile, the price begins at PhP 25, 379 for 60 years old and below.

To learn more about MediCard Philippines, visit its website at https://www.medicardphils.com/.

DELTA Mini

Gear up for the Typhoon Season with EcoFlow “Super” Power Banks

With September fast approaching, heavy rainfall can be expected in and around the country. Prepare for the inevitable blackouts with a power station that can supply energy for all your devices, big and small.

EcoFlow’s DELTA series consists of portable power stations designed to accommodate your specific energy needs.

DELTA 1300 and 1000

Does your family use multiple devices and home appliances? The DELTA 1300 and 1000 are family-friendly models that can support devices that use power under 1800W. Think desktop computers, single electric stoves, and mobile devices. Your work and study won’t have to be interrupted in case the electricity goes out.

DELTA Mini

If you like to be on the go, the DELTA Mini is a perfect choice. It’s the lightest of all the DELTA models but packs just the right amount of battery power to support your lifestyle. With an output of 1400W, it can handle most electronic devices like hair dryers, toasters, and even a table saw.

DELTA Max

Delta Max

This expandable model has extra batteries so you can power more of your devices. It can expand its power up to 6kWh and can handle heavy-duty appliances that use 3400W and below. With DELTA Max, you won’t have spoiled food or wet laundry because it can power your refrigerator and dryer.

DELTA Pro

The best model in the series, DELTA Pro combines all the features of the other models and makes it even better. It has a 3.6kWh capacity that expands to 25kWh thanks to its customizable function that lets you add Extra Batteries, Smart Generators, and a Smart Home Panel. You can even pair two units together and get to 7200W capacity.

All the DELTA models are equipped with fast charging technology and come with multiple outlet types like AC and USB. They can be charged using the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel which is sold separately.

The bifacial features a 220W primary side and a 155W side on the back that lets you capture up to 25% more solar energy for faster charging of your DELTA model. Made with tempered glass, it is five times tougher than comparable brands and can withstand heat of 300°F.

Moreover, the bifacial solar panel is dust- and water-proof so it’s protected from the elements while in use. It also comes with a carry case so it’s just as portable as the DELTA power stations.

Which DELTA model suits your lifestyle? Find out more at this link.

EcoFlow aims to be the industry leader in providing the world’s most innovative and eco-friendly power solutions. The goal is to reinvent the way people access power through renewable, clean, and technology-driven products.

‘Stronger Voice Needed’: Health Experts Call for Unity to Protect Senior Citizens Against Influenza

“Vaccination is an act of love”

- Pope Francis

Right to Information is the key to encouraging our family members, and friends to avail of the vaccination. Let us be guided by correct information and disseminate to them that this is the right time to get vaccinated. Let us protect our loved ones.

Please read below to be become open-minded about this issue.

Health experts, together with local government units, called on medical groups, government, and stakeholders to create a coalition to champion flu immunization specifically for older adults. During a media roundtable discussion organized by the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) and the Philippine College for Geriatric Medicine (PCGM) last June 6, 2022, Philippine College of Physicians Vice President Dr. Rontgene Solante said it’s about time the country has a whole-of-society approach to better protect older adults against influenza, “We would like to protect this population against exacerbation of other infections. Decreasing hospitalization among this population will also have an implication in decreasing complications like diabetes, stroke, even hip fracture, and cardiac complications. This partnership with the government and private medical societies–these are very important to move forward. This is for the greater good of the population.”

PFV’s Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo, who has always championed the health and well-being of senior citizens through vaccination, couldn’t agree more. “Our senior citizens should be aware of the different free vaccines available to them, especially for influenza. In the near future, we might even have new Quadrivalent flu vaccines (QIV) for added protection. This vaccine includes the same strains as the trivalent vaccine (TIV) we’re currently using now, but with an additional B strain. This means the QIV produces a higher antibody response in patients 60 years old and above compared to the TIV. But introducing new types of vaccines, especially to older adults, has been a challenge. We need the support system of the entire medical community, our LGUs, as well as the private and public sector, especially the media to champion flu immunization for older adults,” Bravo said.

According to Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Former President Dr. Remedios Coronel, our older adults are vulnerable to many diseases because of immunosenescence or the lowering of immunity as people get older. It is important that family members and seniors should be immunized against vaccine preventable diseases such as influenza. “Influenza vaccines are safe. It’s very effective in decreasing the severity of hospitalization especially among our older adults with comorbidities”, Coronel quipped. In the Philippines, Influenza-attributable deaths account for 5.09 deaths every 100,000 persons. It is highest among individuals 60 years old and above.

PCGM President Dr. Eduardo Poblete said the PCGM has recently released statements of support and policy recommendations to further enhance the system in combating influenza, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections among older adults to promote their health and wellness throughout their lifetime. “We are suggesting a holistic approach to try to promote the health and well-being of all the older Filipino adults by promoting vaccine confidence among the elderly, promoting preventive medicine including fall prevention, vaccination, self-care and maintaining functionality,” Poblete said.

At the local government level, the City of Pasig is beefing up efforts to roll out its flu immunization program for older adults. Pasig City National Immunization Program Medical Coordinator Dr. Angelo Saquitan agrees with the health experts that there is a need to create a coalition to champion influenza immunization for seniors. “This is for everyone’s benefit. The whole community will benefit if our seniors are vaccinated against the flu. Prevention is always better than cure,” Saquitan said. He reiterated that the vaccines have been tried and tested for years, and are perfectly safe. “I really think a coalition to champion flu immunization for older adults will help increase our flu vaccination rates and better protect our seniors,” Saquitan added.

Cerveza Negra Chocolate Balls by Magnolia Devil's Food Cake Mix

Make your love language food this Father’s Day

The roles of fathers have gone beyond being the sole provider for the family. They are equally important in nurturing the family’s wellbeing by building strong relationships and being actively involved in child care interests and responsibilities.

Such wonderful fathers, who literally become our rock, protecting us as much as they can. Some fathers may not be huggers or emotionally attuned to us but you know they truly care deep down through their unique love language.

We are truly blessed to have fathers and father figures in our lives, who helped mold us to into what we are today. We thus salute these ‘’men’” on their special day.

Nothing beats whipping up something sweet from the heart. Make your love language food. Make this utterly #Madalicious treat, Cerveza Negra Chocolate Balls, made with Magnolia Devil’s Food Cake Mix combined with Cerveza Negra. It will pleasantly surprise your taste buds too

Preparation Time: 40 min

Baking/Cooking Time: 25 min

Main Ingredient: Eggs, Flour

CERVEZA NEGRA CHOCOLATE BALLS

Ingredients & Preparation HH Measurement Measure

1 (550 g) pack MAGNOLIA DEVIL’S FOOD CAKE MIX

3 (50 g each) pc MAGNOLIA BROWN EGGS

1 (330 mL) bottle CERVEZA NEGRA

1 (120 mL) cup coconut oil

COATING & DÉCOR

1/2 kg dark chocolate, chopped

100 grams pistachio nuts, chopped

1 (120 g) cup cocoa powder

1 (80 g) cup desiccated coconut

100 grams white chocolate, melted (optional)

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 176.7°C (350 F). Meanwhile, line and grease one (1) 12x16 inch square pan with baking/wax paper. Set aside.

2. In a bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, cerveza negra and oil. Mix until smooth in consistency. Pour into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool and then crumble cake and form into 1-inch balls.

4. Prepare dark chocolate by melting it for 10-15 seconds in a microwave oven over high setting.

5. Dip each ball in melted dark chocolate and then roll each ball in pistachio nuts, cocoa powder or desiccated coconut. Drizzle with some melted white chocolate placed in a piping

bag, if desired.

Makes 40 pieces.

(Yield: 40 pc (30 grams per ball) /4 pc per serving )

Customized Hotbox
#theworldisyourdiningroom

Proudly Pinoy made!

Pull the string to heat. That’s the concept of Filipino innovation Hotbox Philippines which promises diners that their food will always be fresh and hot when it is time to eat.

Pinoy Innovation HOTBOX Philippines makes the world your dining room

Food deliveries always strive to bring orders piping hot, but by the time the order is brought to the customer’s doorstep, the temperature may have become tepid, which affects the texture and the flavors.

Food plays a big part in the way Filipinos bond. Having unappetizing meals not only for take-out and deliveries but also for meetings, parties, and outdoor activities take away the enjoyment of savouring that moment. Hotbox Philippines seeks to change the way Pinoys enjoy packaged meals with technology that heats up your food right at the time that you are ready to dig in, anytime and anywhere.

Romeo Joven

Hotbox Philippines partners, Fil-American TV commercial producer Romeo Joven with actors Piolo Pascual and Eric Quizon say that with their innovation, the world can be your dining room. This concept is perfect for hot meals at home when you are too busy to cook, a perfectly packed lunch for when you have that one more meeting to attend, or road trips with family and friends so you can have a hot and appetizing meal by the beach or at the hiking grounds.

“At home or in the office, we may use a microwave oven, to reheat our packed food, but the heat dries up your dish and makes it less appetizing as well as the food getting cold fast. With Hotbox’s steam technology, your food is hot within 5 minutes. There is also no rush to eat as your food continues to heat up to 30 minutes at over 80 degrees Celsius. Because of our technology, the food retains its original quality and texture. Our clients love the product because their food tastes like it is fresh from the stovetop or oven,” says Hotbox CEO Romeo Joven.

“With Hotbox, you no longer have to deal with meals that have gone cold. All you need to do is Pull, Heat, and Eat,” says Piolo. “With Hotbox, I know that even when I am busy with my tapings on location, I will be able to have hot meals to power me through my next scenes.”

Hotbox - Food set (can be customized)

The self-heating boxes are also more earth-friendly because there is less plastic waste and there is no need to use electricity for a microwave. This makes it a perfect on-the-go package for your meals.

Hotbox Philippines offers several Filipino and International cuisine choices in its online menu, and they can also accept orders for customized boxes to be delivered for meetings or special occasions. For more information about Hotbox Philippines, visit www.hotboxph.com or follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts @hotboxphils. #theworldisyourdiningroom

Being a Dad and a Warrior for our Child’s Health

Any father or father figure in the family, would always choose to protect his family first, especially his children. He would want to make sure that his children are safe by providing them comfort and protection from harm. Above all these, a father plays a huge role in his children’s lives, especially in health.

Aside from the care a mother gives, a father also shares the task by supporting their baby’s needs and by taking part in these health activities:

During Pregnancy

Study shows that most women with supportive partners have fewer health problems in pregnancy. The support that a father gives can be associated with positive maternal and child outcomes.

A father’s involvement during pregnancy helps in ensuring that a mother will receive her 1st-trimester prenatal care. It also helps to improve the quality of the parents' relationship to nurture and respond to their child's needs.

Baby’s health care program

Being present during doctor's appointments for vaccinations and check-ups is one way a father can play an active role in his baby's health care. Early encounters with his baby’s pediatricians may start from prenatal consultations to visitation in the newborn nursery.

Taking the time to understand what every child needs during his or her first 1000 days of life is a way of being proactive as a father. Keeping track of immunization records helps the father to be actively involved in a child's health.

Walk the talk

Most children see their fathers as role models. The stronger your relationship with your child, the more influence you’ll have, which could even last a lifetime. Children look to their fathers for strength, encouragement, and support. Both sons and daughters mimic their dads from a very young age. Moreover, fathers usually set the family culture and norms.

That’s why whatever a father believes in can influence the upbringing of a child. Let your kids know you also got vaccinated as recommended by your doctor. As a dad, you can be a good example in the family to support immunization. With the ongoing battle against COVID-19, we can support the current effort for herd immunity by encouraging our whole family to #CallTheShots.

Call the Shots PH is an awareness campaign to protect expectant parents and their children from vaccine-preventable diseases and is brought by MSD in the Philippines. Visit Call The Shots PH FB page (https://www.facebook.com/CallTheShotsPH) to get latest updates on immunization.

How the Size of Your House Affects Your Budget

It’s time to buy a home, and you have all your financials in order. You have an idea of what your dream house looks like, but does that image fall in line with how much you can actually afford in the way of buying a home?

Calculate to Check

How much house you can afford depends on the relationship between your income and mortgage.

Using a house payment calculator will take in many factors to determine what you can afford to pay a month, such as monthly income, monthly debt payments, and credit score.

Utilizing a tool like this allows you to make adjustments and play with numbers to plainly see what price range will not stretch you thin financially.

Look At Your Debts

If you want to afford a bigger house, take a look at your debt-to-income ratio as that affects affordability. This number is your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income before tax.

Lenders often use the 28/36 rule as a sign of a healthy DTI. This means you won’t spend more than 28% of your gross monthly income on mortgage payments and no more than 36% on total debt payments.

If your DTI is higher than the 28/36 rule, some lenders may still approve you for a loan. However, they can charge higher interest rates and add extra fees like mortgage insurance to protect themselves in the event you default on the loan.

A Good Rule of Thumb

One rule often cited is the 25% rule, that you should never spend more than 25% of your monthly take-home pay (after taxes) on monthly mortgage payments.

This percentage includes principal, interest, property taxes, home insurance, private mortgage insurance, and homeowners association fees, if applicable. With larger homes come other larger bills to consider.

Maintenance is More Costly

Bigger homes will require more upkeep, as there are more opportunities for something needing repair. More than one bathroom heightens the likelihood of burst pipes, a larger lawn will call for more in-depth landscaping needs in terms of frequency and time it takes for routine care.

Though a larger home provides more of living space, it calls for more money to be allocated to care for that living space.

Utilities are Higher

Heating a larger home will take much more power than heating a smaller one. Likewise, paying for water and electricity to flow to a larger amount of rooms ups utility bills.

Be sure you know the typical utility costs for any home you’re looking for, and how they vary by season. You’ll want to factor these costs into your monthly budget.

Property Tax will Differ

Property taxes are not necessarily based on the square footage of your home directly, but rather on the market value of the home.

A larger home will garner a higher market value, and therefore higher property taxes. The market value is determined by a government assessment or appraisal of the worth of the property that is based on a variety of factors like design characteristics, amenities, appliances, and square footage.

Daddy O!

STI fosters student development through holistic education

STI fosters student development through holistic education